Salt Water Chlorine Generators: How do they work?

You might be surprised to hear that salt water swimming pools are using chlorine to keep the water clear. Salt water pools use a salt water chlorine generator (SWCG) to turn salt into chlorine. The chlorine eventually breaks down, leaving behind the salt to be used again. SWCGs are not a new concept, but they continue to evolve as the technology and materials improve.

Benefits to Salt Pool Water

Many homeowners prefer salt water swimming pools for the following reasons:

1. A salt water pool leaves skin feeling softer and smoother upon exiting the pool, unlike non-SWCG pool water.
2. A salt water chlorine generator makes it easier to maintain constant, proper chlorine levels, avoiding high chlorine levels that can commonly occur in traditionally chlorinated pools causing eyes to dry out and become irritated. 
3. Salt water pools reduce the need to frequently and manually add chlorine to your pool.
4. Salt water pool owners do not have to handle the chlorine in its physical form, nor find a good place to store it.

Photo credits: http://www.poolsupplyworld.com/

How Salt Water Chlorine Generators Work

Salt water chlorinators create chlorine by using dissolved salt and electrolysis. Instead of adding chlorine directly to the pool water, salt water pools use table salt or sodium chloride (NaCl) and an electric current to create chlorine gas (Cl2). During this process hydrogen gas (h2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) also form. The dissolved salt converts into hypochlorous acid (HClO) and sodium hypochlorite through the electrolysis process and these are used to rid your pool of dirt and bacteria, sanitizing the water. Using a salt water chlorinator enables you to generate chlorine until you run out of salt and need to add more.

Adding a Sacrificial Anode

A zinc sacrificial anode is a device that protects metal components from corrosion in a salt water pool. Salt water is corrosive, regardless of whether or not there is chlorine or an active chlorine generator. The large increase of dissolved solids in the water when salt is added makes the water more conductive, and can lead to premature corrosion of any metal components in the pool system. Adding a sacrificial anode made of zinc, a softer metal than all the stainless steel and aluminum in pool environments, and attaching it to the bonding grid, means that it will corrode before any of the more important metal components. An anode’s role is to corrode (sacrificing itself) before other metals that are part of the same underwater electrical system. Talk to us today about scheduling installation of a sacrificial anode anti-electrolosys device to your salt water pool. We highly recommend it!

SWCG systems make pool maintenance easier for salt water pool owners. A well maintained salt water chlorinator system should last you anywhere from 5 to 7 years, when serviced periodically. Spend less time managing chemicals and more time enjoying your pool!

Contact us today to learn more!